A survey of physical education programs in the public elementary schools of Indiana
Abstract
Research on physical education curricula and programs has been a source of information leading to the continued growth and development of such programs. The purpose of this study was to survey physical education programs in the public elementary schools in Indiana. A 56 item questionnaire was submitted to 218 randomly selected elementary physical education teachers in Indiana. Data were received from 112 (56%) of those selected in the study. Additional data were received from personal interviews with 20 teachers and their 20 principals. Results indicated that physical education is perceived to be a legitimate part of the total school curriculum, that specialists teachers are primarily employed to administer physical education programs and that physical education curriculum are appropriately sequenced for grades 1-3 and 4-6. Interview data revealed various areas of concern from the respondents. For example the decline in time afforded physical education within the curriculum, the physical educator's lack of status within the school faculty, and the lack of training to instruct atypical students were three areas of concern. Based on questionnaire results elementary physical education in the state of Indiana appears to be firmly established as a viable aspect of the total school curriculum. However, one is cautioned that further research based on more personal interviews may provide a different picture.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Templin, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Physical education
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